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Rosie O'Donnell is opening up about the childhood tragedy that shaped her life. During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, the comedian revealed how losing her mother at age 11 inspired her deeply personal one-woman show, Common Knowledge, which opens with the day her mother died.

O'Donnell reflected on her first trip to Ireland after her mother's death, explaining that her father brought his five grieving children there during the height of the Troubles instead of talking about their loss. She believes the trip was his way of teaching them to cope with grief the "Irish way"—by quietly carrying on rather than falling apart.

"My mom died on Saint Patrick's Day, and my birthday is four days after. So, sadly, the funeral was on my birthday," she recalled. "He decided, after he had five grieving children, you know, from 13 down, that he would bring us to Donegal."

"I think that what he was trying to do was not talk to us about grief. Because Irish people have trouble with big feelings," O'Donnell continued. "I think he was teaching us how to survive it the Irish way, which is that you don't fall apart, you move on. You accept it quietly, daily, just like the weather."

Meyers noted that Common Knowledge explores both O'Donnell losing her mother as a child and later becoming "a mother to five" herself.

More than five decades after that first trip, moving to Ireland brought those memories rushing back. O'Donnell said seeing people who resembled her late parents inspired her to write daily, and those reflections eventually became the foundation of Common Knowledge.

She first tested the show's comedic material at a local comedy club before weaving in the more emotional moments. The finished production begins with the day her mother died and tells what O'Donnell described as "the origin story" of her life, introducing Irish audiences to who she is beyond her television career.

Just two days before her death, Ben Affleck's mother, Chris Affleck, got to experience the moment she had been holding on for.

The mother of Ben and Casey Affleck died peacefully in her sleep on June 2 at the age of 83, according to her obituary, which was shared Friday, July 24. While the longtime public school teacher had been given just six months to live following a diagnosis in December 2025, she was able to fulfill what her family described as her "greatest wish" before her death.

"Her greatest wish after her diagnosis, however, was to live to see her grandson graduate high school," the obituary reads. And she did exactly that.

On May 31, Chris attended her grandson Atticus' high school graduation surrounded by family. Just two days later, she died “peacefully in her sleep.”

Chris had a lifelong commitment to education. One of the first women from Radcliffe College to receive a Harvard diploma, she chose a career in public education over more lucrative opportunities, spending 35 years teaching in public schools. According to her family, every student who entered her classroom was treated with the same care and respect, regardless of their background.

After leaving the classroom in 2008, Chris volunteered on political campaigns and became involved in environmental and social justice causes.

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And throughout Ben and Casey's careers, she was one of their biggest supporters—including helping Ben get his start in Hollywood. Chris connected her son with casting director Patty Collins, her former Harvard roommate, giving him one of his earliest opportunities in the industry. Looking back on his career in 2007, Ben recalled to Parade, "I got into acting as a young child on account of a sort of arbitrary thing. A friend of my mom’s was a casting director so, really as kind of a lark." 

Atticus, born in 2008, was one of Chris' five grandchildren. Casey shares Atticus and his eldest son, Indiana, with ex-wife Summer Phoenix, while Ben shares Violet, 20, Fin, 17,and Samuel, 14, with former wife Jennifer Garner.

Over 50 years ago, UFO released "Doctor Doctor," which didn't do well on the charts, but undeniably became their biggest concert staple that gained resurgence thanks to Iron Maiden.

At just 16 years old, guitaristMichael Schenkerwas playing for Scorpions' debut album before switching gears to join UFO. At the age of 18, he would end up writing and co-writing a majority of the tracks for their 1974 album Phenomenon. One of the tracks was none other than "Doctor Doctor," and while it failed to make waves on the Billboard charts, it still managed to gain infamy among fans.

When it came to the track's creation, Schenker detailed to LouderSound that he used a Watkins Copycat (a tape echo unit) from his time with the Scorpions that allowed him to "add harmonies to the melody."

“It turned out really nice, and I recorded [a rough version] on my hand-held cassette recorder. I was so excited that I played it to Phil Mogg as we came out of the escalator of the Underground on the way to a meeting at Chrysalis Records. He loved it," he explained.

Phil Mogg was the band's leading vocalist and remembers placing Schenker's cassette player upright alongside his and belting out some vocals. Many would think that "Doctor Doctor" tells the tale of a romance that went wrong and left a lasting impression on Mogg. In reality, it was the opposite.

“No, not at all,” the singer said. “Parker and Pete Way had become friendly with some nurses. We’d started touring, and for some unknown reason those two developed some kind of urinary infection after mucking around on the road. Need I say any more?”

A young Schenker had no idea the track was about sex at the time when he went back home to Germany and played it for his parents. Despite the guitarist's faith in the track, it didn't do well upon its release as the album's first single. Mogg remembers asking someone at the record label how many they sold, and got a low number, to which he responded, "Well, fuck me. Give me a boxful and I’ll go to Oxford Street and sell them myself."

Despite the blow, the band didn't put much weight behind it as the track gained popularity among fans during their live concerts. It would later be released as a single for their 1979 live album Stranger in the Night. Its re-release led to the band's first Top 40 hit and gained further fame in 2000 when Iron Maiden began playing it as the intro to all their concerts.

“It became a big singalong song because people loved the melody. And then Iron Maiden fell in love with the song and made it even bigger," said Schenker.

More than 50 years later, UFO still performs the song, and Mogg explains, "that song was there for us right from the beginning, bless its cotton socks."

Related: 1972 Rock Classic, The Band's Final Hit Before Breaking Up, Became a Signature Anthem

Robert Wagner is loving the grandpa life!

Wagner, 96, who starred in early series like It Takes a Thief and Switch, continued on TV in Hart to Hart before appearing more recently on Two and a Half Men and NCIS. He also had a successful film career, with roles in the Austin Powers trilogy and several other popular films. He’s also widely known as the former husband of Natalie Wood. But it's safe to say the star's favorite role is grandpa. In a new photo posted to his Instagram page, the actor snuggles up to his granddaughter while enjoying a vacation in Aspen. Wearing matching hats, the duo looks great!

"Another great meal at Cache Cache with my favorite granddaughter 💕 @cachecacheaspen," Wagner captioned the post.

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Barry Watson, 52, rose to fame as Matthew Camden on the iconic family-friendly series 7th Heaven, which ran on the WB from 1996 to 2006. Since 2014, he’s been married to Natasha Gregson Wagner, the daughter of Natalie Wood and Richard Gregson, making him Wagner’s stepson-in-law.

Recently, the dynamic duo posed for a fun selfie together in honor of Watson’s birthday. With Wagner showing off his swagger in black aviator sunglasses, the actor celebrated his son-in-law with lots of enthusiasm.

“Join Jill and I in wishing our terrific son-in-law Barry Watson a Happy Birthday 🎉 Always fun times when you’re around-grateful for the laughs, the love and these unforgettable moments together,” Wagner captioned the photo, which showed a young girl in the background. (We’re guessing it’s Watson’s daughter, Clover!) “Cheers to another great year ahead!🎉 @realbarrywatson#barrywatson#robertwagner#familymeanseverything#bestsoninlaw.”

Back in February, Wagner reunited with Stefanie Powers, his beloved costar from Hart to Hart. While Powers got her start in the entertainment industry in the series The Girl from U.N.C.L.E., she’s best known for her role as Jennifer Hart on the classic mystery series. The duo occasionally reunites, particularly on Wagner’s birthday. Powers didn’t miss an opportunity to reunite with her old friend.

“When Jonathan and Jennifer reunite, it’s always something special. ❤️ Thank you, Stefanie, for the beautiful birthday visit,” Wagner captioned a sweet photo of the duo with their arms wrapped around each other.

Related: Robert Wagner Shares Emotional Tribute to Natalie Wood on What Would Have Been Their Wedding Anniversary

Whether you’re trying to drop five pounds or 50, losing weight isn’t easy. Maybe you don’t feel that taking a GLP-1 is the solution for you, but if there was a natural way to rev up your metabolism, you’d be open to it.

It’s true that some foods and drinks naturally support metabolism, such as salmon, chili peppers, ginger and cinnamon. So it makes sense to think that a supplement containing these ingredients or the nutrients that make them healthy would also support metabolism. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, 15% of U.S. adults have taken a supplement for the purpose of weight loss at some point. In fact, it’s one of the top 20 reasons people take a supplement and Americans spend roughly $2.1 billion a year on weight loss supplements.

There’s one common dietary supplement taken for weight loss that not only isn’t beneficial, but is actually dangerous. Here, hepatologists explain what it is and why they completely warn against it.

Related: 'I'm a Family Medicine Doctor—Here Are the 2 Supplements I Take To Stay Healthy and Well'

If you are one of the two in five U.S. adults with obesity, having a goal to lose weight in a healthy way is certainly beneficial, including for your liver. 

Dr. Susan Kais, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of clinical at UC Health, explains that obesity can cause excess fat to accumulate in liver cells, which can lead to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as fatty liver disease). 

In its early stages, Dr. Kais notes that MASLD doesn’t have any symptoms and can go undetected. Meanwhile, that damage is accumulating. “If left untreated, it can progress to irreversible scarring, also known as cirrhosis of the liver,” she says.

If you want to lose weight in a healthy way and lower your risk of MASLD, Dr. Kais recommends sticking to the advice you’ve likely heard many times: Eating a nutrient-rich diet and exercising regularly. You can also talk to your healthcare provider about whether a GLP-1 may be a good fit for you. 

However, Dr. Kais warns against trying anything that promises a quick fix or a shortcut to losing weight, including one supplement many people turn to for weight loss assistance.

Related: Dietitians Are Begging People to Stop Pairing This Common Supplement With Magnesium

One well-proven natural way to support metabolism is drinking green tea. “Green tea contains a compound called EGCG, which reduces damage from oxidative stress that can impact the liver,” says Dr. Neha Jakhete, MD, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist with the University of Maryland Medical System.

Because of that, taking green tea extract supplements for weight loss has become popular. But the hepatologists we talked to warn against this. “Drinking green tea and taking a supplement that contains a highly concentrated form are not the same,” Dr. Kais tells Parade.

Related: 15 Best Workouts for Weight Loss, According to Trainers—And Yes, Walking Counts!

Dr. Jakhete explains that green tea extract supplements are a prime example of too much of a good thing. “The dose is so concentrated that the liver is getting it all in one shot versus slowly, which is what happens when you drink green tea,” she says.

Dr. Kais agrees. “Drinking green tea is known to have a beneficial impact on the liver, but highly concentrated green tea extract in supplements can be dangerous to the liver,” she says. She explains that drinking a cup of brewed green tea contains a modest amount of catechins (aka the EGCGs that Dr. Jakhete mentioned), which the liver can handle and process effectively, supporting and beneficial to liver health. But green tea extract supplements contain an excessively high dose that the liver is unable to process. This can cause oxidative stress, liver damage and, in rare cases, acute liver injury and even failure.

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Dr. Jakhete emphasizes that just because a supplement is branded as “natural” does not mean it’s safe. She uses turmeric as an example. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory herb that’s highly beneficial for health when integrated into cooking. But Dr. she says that turmeric supplements (in capsule or drink form) have a highly concentrated amount of turmeric that can cause liver toxicity. In fact, turmeric has become the most common cause of an herbal-related liver injury in the U.S.

Another “natural” supplement Dr. Jakhete says she often sees patients taking is milk thistle. “Some scientific data is showing that milk thistle can support the liver, but the problem is that there is really no way to know what’s in these supplements or the concentration of the milk thistle. I have seen patients who have experienced acute liver failure because of milk thistle supplements,” she explains.

With all this in mind, it can be helpful to remember the purpose of supplements, which is to bridge any nutritional gaps you are experiencing in your diet. Even when you are taking a supplement for this purpose, it’s important to find one that has been third-party tested for toxic ingredients and appropriate dosage. 

It’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your diet. In the case of green tea, it’s much more beneficial to enjoy it in tea form than as a supplement. 

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 3 Dietitians About the Best Breakfast for Weight Loss and They All Said the Same Thing

• Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss. National Institutes of Health.
• Adult Obesity Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Dr. Susan Kais, MD, gastroenterologist and assistant professor of clinical at UC Health.
• Dr. Neha Jakhete, MD, gastroenterologist and hepatologist with the University of Maryland Medical System.
• Yin, X., Yang, J., Li, T., et al. (2015). The effect of green tea intake on risk of liver disease: a meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 8(6):8339-8346.
• Grajecki, D., Ogica, A., Boenisch, O., et al. (2022). Green tea extract-associated acute liver injury: Case report and review.Clinical Liver Disease. 20(6):181-187. 
• Tumeric. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Library of Medicine.

To kick off the first day of Comic-Con in San Diego, the cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians joined a panel alongside executive producers Dan Shotz and Craig Silverstein. After showing a 3-minute preview from the third season of the Disney+ original series, the cast made a huge announcement.

Season 3 of Percy Jackson, adapted from The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan, will be released to Disney+ on November 20. Introducing new characters like Nico and Bianca DiAngelo, the new series finds Percy and his friends on a journey to rescue the goddess Artemis.

During the panel, Charlie Bushnell, who plays Luke Castellan, revealed that his character’s antagonistic role will be further explored in this new season.

“Luke is kind of as deep in the darkness as we’ve ever seen in this season,” Bushnell said. “He failed Kronos a couple times at the end of last season. He failed to hold on [to] the Golden Fleece, and ultimately lost the battle on Half-Blood Hill. … I think we see the physical and mental toll that has taken on him as we kick off this new season.”

Tamara Smart, who plays Thalia in Percy Jackson, revealed that the tension between her character and Percy will also be explored.

“The one thing for me that I really thought about is that, yes, I was so excited to be in season 2, but Thalia hasn’t been established as a character yet,” Smart said. “For me, it was building on what Rick [Riordan] created and wrote. So it was building on that and, as you all say, some ‘generational beef.’”

Although Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase) was absent from the panel due to filming a new Cheetah Girls movie, Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson) brought a cardboard cutout of her face. The audience laughed as Scobell walked out onto the stage with it, and when the cutout kept falling onto the table.

Shotz revealed that, although the new season stays true to the original book, they expanded Annabeth’s story.

“Annabeth is separated from the group,” Shotz said. “We are gonna open up the world and explore where Annabeth is and give a new look into that. It’s been nice to expand on that.”

But with season 3 being the first book-to-screen adaptation of The Titan’s Curse, Silverstein said that the stakes felt higher.

“I feel like we’ve felt the pressure of doing it right,” Silverstein said. “We were conscious of that, going into it, [knowing] this is the first time we’re going to see everything. I felt the pressure for sure.”

The teaser for season 3 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is available to watch now on YouTube.

Ashley Judd is having the best summer ever!

The actress, activist, and academic, 58, rose to stardom in films like Heat and A Time to Kill, and went on to tremendous success with projects like De-Lovely, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, and Divergent. Also a New York Times bestselling author, the star has focused more recently on her academic work at Harvard University. But that doesn't mean she isn't enjoying her summer season. In a new Instagram photo series, Judd took to Instagram to share a series of photos of herself rolling around in the mud in her bikini and soaking up the sunshine next to the water. It's safe to say she's living her best life!

"Thank you, dirt dwellers, for your good medicine. Stolen and unceded land of Ute People," she wrote, adding the music she was listening to. "🎶: The Isaacs “It Is Well with My Soul.”

Check out the fun photos, which cannot be embedded, on Judd's Instagram page.

Spencer Platt / Getty Images

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Ashley is the sister of acclaimed country singer Wynonna Judd. However, Wynonna noted in an appearance last year on Circle Country’s Talking in Circles that their dynamic is a bit unusual, with Ashley referring to her as “Sister Mommy.”

“I raised Ashley. That’s why we have such a funny relationship,” she shared. “I’m a little bit sad about that because I didn’t get to be her sister. It was just the two of us trying to survive.”

While the duo’s relationship is a work in progress in the present day, Wynonna did say that her sister is thriving.

“Ashley’s doing well. I don’t see her very much and we’re not as close as I’d like to be but that’s because success took us away from each other,” she shared. “It’s a funny thing. There’s a bit of a sadness, because being famous takes you from home.”

Together, the sisters lost their beloved mother, Naomi Judd, when she died by suicide in 2002. Wynonna opened up about how she has found significant peace after losing her mom.

“What do you do with that kind of crap that happens to you?” host Clint Black asked Judd, noting that his father died by suicide as well. “You feel so helpless, and there’s a mystery there as to why. So I had to go through that, like you did, right?”

In response, Judd explained that there were a lot of questions following her mom’s death.

“You kind of had more of a why than I do, because everybody thought she was okay. Everybody thought everything’s okay, and it’s not okay. You don’t know what’s going on,” Judd replied. “I was on tour and distracted.”

Despite the tragedy, Wynonna has found joy by spending time with her 3-year-old granddaughter, Kaliyah, whom she is raising.

“And it’s just a weird time. This past year, I’ve learned so much about myself, and now that I’m with my grandbaby 24/7, I’m learning that there is life after death. And if I can go out on this tour, this is heavy, and I can go out on stage and I can help someone decide to stay instead of leaving, then I’ve done my job,” she explained. “And I just know that what we’re going through after our parents’ death is, I’m now an orphan. I have to decide whether the cup is half full or half empty.”

Related: '90s Movie Star Celebrates Birthday by Restaging Childhood Birthday Party

On this day in 1998, Saving Private Ryan officially arrived in theaters, forever changing the course of movie history.

Directed by the legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, Saving Private Ryan focuses on a group of World War II soldiers trekking through the ruins of France amidst the invasion of Normandy, all the while searching for a lost soldier (Matt Damon) whose three brothers were all killed in combat.

Starring Tom Hanks, Damon, Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore, Vin Diesel and Barry Pepper, Saving Private Ryan quickly earned universal acclaim upon its debut in theaters, with many praising the film for its gripping performances and realistic depiction of military combat.

For some, this latter characteristic proved to be almost too effective. According to CBR, more than a few World War II veterans ended up leaving the film early due to its overly realistic portrayal of the conflict, most especially the opening 27-minute depiction of the D-Day landings.

In exploring the impact the film had on audiences, CBR went on to quote several Reddit users who shared similar stories about witnessing World War II veterans exiting the movie, sometimes in tears.

“I worked in a 2-screen movie theater throughout high school," one user said. "During Saving Private Ryan's run, two WWII vets left the theater and embraced in the lobby, sobbing. Another, on a different day, said, 'the only thing that was missing was the smell.'"

Of course, Saving Private Ryan went on to enjoy numerous prestigious accolades by the end of 1998, winning five out of its 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Film Editing and Best Sound Effects Editing.

It also helped revitalize interest in World War II among mass audiences, paving the way for countless movies, TV shows, video games and more that followed in its wake.

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If your love language is online shopping, then it's likely that you've been on top of the best summer clothing trends. One of our classic favorite footwear styles in the warm weather season is sandals, because they're extremely versatile, breathable, and fashionable. And luckily, you can hit all three criteria at Macy's with the Clarks Drift Floral Slip-On Wedge Sandals, which are now 50% off.

The sandals have dropped from $60 to just $30 in the red colorway during the retailer's Black Friday in July deals event. The footwear is also being sold in a blue hue, which costs only $36 on the clearance rack. The available sizes range from 5 to 12, including select half sizes, with some shoppers saying that they're true to size and others noting that they run slightly small and to size up half a size. Check out the available size chart before purchasing to aid you in the buying process. 

Courtesy of Macy's

The shoe design features a 1.75-inch wedge heel, round toe, and standard medium width. They're made of a synthetic upper and a thermoplastic rubber outsole that you can spot clean if marks or dirt get on them. The footbed is "soft," mimicking the feeling of a cloud, while the pretty flower graphics on the thick top strap actually prevent overheating. One customer attested that the air hole pattern "keeps feet cool." 

Courtesy of Macy's

These sandals have very minimal traction, so just note that they're meant for casual activities or lounging around the house. Shoppers described the sandals as "cushioned," "supportive," "very cute," "very comfortable," "attractive" and "stylish." Customers say that you "can wear them with almost anything," spanning from sundresses to athleisure wear, so the wardrobe options are truly endless. 

Related: Macy's Has a Stunning Lenox Butterfly Serving Tray That's the 'Perfect Size' for Hosting, and It's Only $23

"I can take my dog for a mile walk without any problem," another reviewer said. A second shopper wrote that they "were comfortable right out of the box," adding that they "wear them all day without any issues whatsoever." Some customers loved the sandals so much that they ordered a pair in both colors.

• I.N.C. International Concepts Soft Ajae Wave Quilt Crossbody Handbag, $40 (was $100) at Macy's
• Jessica Simpson Aloni Jelly Flat Sandals, $29 (was $49) at Macy's
• Easy Spirit Briana Mary Jane Mesh Walking Shoes, $62 (was $89) at Macy's

Nearly every single color and size combination is in stock right now, but that won't be for long. Take advantage of this amazing Clarks sandals deal before it disappears. Shop them now at Macy's for as little as $30! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

If you assumed the crown for America’s favorite theme park automatically belonged to the sprawling, multi-park ecosystem of Walt Disney World in Orlando, but a new study gives us a whole new reason to appreciate the West Coast classic.

According to a comprehensive nationwide study conducted by gaming and research platform Sudoku Bliss, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, has officially been crowned the single most popular amusement park in the United States.

To figure out which parks are generating the most real-world enthusiasm, the study analyzed four key metrics across the entire country: Instagram hashtag volume, average monthly Google searches, total TripAdvisor review counts, and total five-star ratings. The data points were weighted and combined to produce an overall popularity index out of 100.

When the final numbers were tallied, Walt Disney’s original 1955 park soared to the top spot with a score of 95.93 out of 100, edging out Florida's heavy hitters.

Related: Disneyland Modeled Main Street U.S.A. After This Small Rocky Mountain Town

Disneyland’s top ranking was heavily bolstered by its massive dominance across social media and search platforms. The Anaheim icon pulled in a staggering 34.8 million Instagram hashtags—the highest of any park in the study—alongside more than one million average monthly online searches.

However, looking closely at the data reveals an interesting divide between online clout and in-park traveler reviews:

The Social Star (Disneyland): While California’s flagship park leads in raw hype and search volume, it logged 17,953 five-star TripAdvisor reviews.

The Review Powerhouse (Magic Kingdom): Florida’s Magic Kingdom ranked second overall with a 91.87 score, but it absolutely crushed the competition when it came to verified guest reviews. The Bay Lake park recorded 48,159 five-star reviews out of nearly 70,000 total ratings—nearly triple the top-tier feedback of its West Coast sibling.

“What stands out in this ranking is just how much Disney and Universal continue to dominate, but not always in the way people might expect,” a Sudoku Bliss spokesperson noted in the release. “Disneyland dominates on social media, but Magic Kingdom has nearly three times as many five-star reviews, which suggests visitors who actually go to Magic Kingdom are having a better experience than the hype alone would suggest.”

Related: World-Famous Southern Theme Park Once Again Voted Best in the U.S. For Fourth Year in a Row

While Southern California took the #1 and #3 spots (with Universal Studios Hollywood landing in third with a 91.71 score), Florida still remains the undisputed king of theme park density. Six of the nation's top 10 parks are located in the Sunshine State, making it the most concentrated hub for travelers looking to hit multiple destinations in a single trip.

Here's how the top 10 overall popularity rankings fell into place:

• Disneyland (Anaheim, CA) — 95.93
• Magic Kingdom (Bay Lake, FL) — 91.87
• Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City, CA) — 91.71
• EPCOT (Lake Buena Vista, FL) — 89.84
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Bay Lake, FL) — 88.67
• Universal Studios Florida (Orlando, FL) — 87.28
• SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando, FL) — 86.34
• Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN) — 85.78
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Bay Lake, FL) — 84.46
• Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH) — 82.64

Related: Disney World Just Dropped an Opening Date for Its Next Huge Fall Addition

Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway for regional travelers is that you don't necessarily have to fly to California or Florida to experience a world-class park.

Tennessee’s Dollywood broke into the rankings at #8 as the highest-rated park outside the two main coastal hubs, pulling in more than 616,000 monthly searches thanks to its focus on mountain scenery, southern hospitality, and rollercoasters.

Meanwhile, Ohio's legendary coaster capital, Cedar Point, secured the #10 spot, proving that traditional thrill parks still hold a massive, loyal audience alongside immersive media giants.

Related: Disneyland Modeled Main Street U.S.A. After This Small Rocky Mountain Town

Richard Marx’s ‘Hold On to the Nights’ hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on July 23, 1988. In celebration of the 38th anniversary of this major music milestone, Marx posted an old video of the chart-topper on his Instagram page. But, according to Marx, the record company that owns the master reportedly wasn’t exactly happy about this share.

In a subsequent Instagram post, the ‘80s icon alleged, “So…today marks the 38th anniversary of my first number one pop single, “Hold on to the Nights” hitting the top. Earlier today I posted a clip from the old video but @universalmusicgroup who owns the original master actually flagged it and largely blocked it from being seen.”

Marx continued, “My song. My voice. My IG page. This is the lunacy of major labels and why we artists feel nothing for them but contempt.”

Even though the label may have put a pin in his public plans, it looks like Marx still found a way to celebrate on his own, adding, “But they can’t stop me from raising a glass to my song tonight.” 

Most of Marx’s followers stood behind the performer, writing comments like, “This is so wrong on so many levels. Shame on them. What they can’t take away from you is how beautiful your voice is and the love your fans have for you. This song gives me chills every time I hear it,” and “I’m going to sing it very loudly everywhere I go today! They can’t stop me!”

Some fans questioned whether Marx should just re-record the hit: “Maybe you should pull a Taylor Swift and record your own version of this song,” and “Re-record the masters… (Richard’s version).” Marx replied to the suggestions with, “FYI…the recording you hear in this post is my re-recording which I own myself.” he also added a tip for other musicians: “To all artists out there…if you can, re-record your songs. Anytime a film or TV show or commercial wants to license my songs I only agree to it if they use MY master recording.”

Of course, critics couldn’t help but post their thoughts. One replied with, “I get the frustration, but if it wasn’t for these record companies, you would have never been signed and had a successful career. And I’m sure you made bank selling your masters to Uni.”

 While Marx’s critic did also add, “Congratulations btw for writing such a beautiful song. That entire album is one of my all-time favorites!”, the musician clapped back, “I didn’t sell my masters to UMG.”

“They still own my original masters after 39 years,” Marx explained, continuing, “A record company took a chance on me and gave me just enough money to record an album. The money they fronted me was recouped within three months of the album’s release.”

Marx’s former record label Universal Music Group has not issued a formal statement on the artist’s allegations or responded to his Instagram post. 

Chicago Sky star Rickea Jackson made heads turn after making a stylish statement at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend.

The multi-day event, held at McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Chicago, featured a star-studded lineup including Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Paige Bueckers, Breanna Stewart and more, as well as honorary general managers and coaches such as Naismith Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper and WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon.

Before the main event, the former and current basketball stars made striking entrances as they sizzled the orange carpet, showing off their personal style.

Despite being out for the rest of the 2026 season due to her injury, Rickea Jackson made sure that all eyes were on her as the WNBA star arrived in a sultry ensemble.

Serving a runway-worthy look, the Sky forward stunned in a navy blue transparent dress that not only complemented her complexion but also showed off her amazing physique.

Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The ensemble featured a plunging neckline and the illusion of a high-waisted mini skirt beneath a flowing mesh overlay, creating a bold yet elegant silhouette.

Completing the fashion-forward look, the 6'2 star from Tennessee paired her 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend ensemble with navy blue sheer tight-high stockings and pointed-toe heels, giving off a sleek tonal outfit.

​In a post shared by the WNBA on Instagram, fans couldn't help but gush over Jackson’s stylish orange carpet style.

​“Best dressed so far… the rest have been pulling up with outfits I can’t explain,” one wrote.

​“It doesn't get any better than this!” a follower mentioned.

​“Always looking stunning,” a commenter said.

​“The finest in the W,” another added.

​Others also mentioned how the WNBA star was serving major face card with her flawless glam.

​“Yo the last couple of years WNBA players looking like models Rickea is one of them,” one mentioned.

​The same goes for another who said “She is so beautiful! Her face card is top notch.”

​The 25-year-old player is currently recovering after suffering from a complete tear of her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that occurred during the second quarter of Sky's 86-79 victory over the Minnesota Lynx back in May.

​After having successful corrective surgery in June, she is expected to rest for about 10 to 12 months, which will sideline her from the remainder of the season.

​Despite this, she has focused not only on her health and recovery but also on building her brand by embracing the world of fashion.

“I just feel like I’m in my element. All the compliments, all the networking, meeting these people – it’s been amazing,” the Sky star told Andscape following her attendance at New York Fashion Week. “Just being where you want to be, being in these rooms, I feel like I work super hard to get here. I’m continuing to grow my brand.”

Moreover, she is using the offseason as a time for “healing” while preparing for her third season in the WNBA.

Related: Angel Reese Stuns With Daring Pregame Outfit

​

Anyone who has seen Cheers can likely attest to Ted Danson and Shelley Long's undeniable on-screen chemistry.

Drawing on their characters' extensive differences in both personalities and backgrounds, both Danson and Long managed to truly sell the "will they, won't they?" romance of Sam and Diane's relationship on the hit NBC comedy series.

As fantastic as their relationship was in front of the camera, Danson previously admitted he was uncertain about Long's casting during the early days of the show.

During a 2024 episode of SmartLesswith Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, Danson explained some of the behind-the-scenes difficulties he had working with Long, something he admitted only helped sell their on-screen romance.

“I think I got Cheers because of Shelley Long because she just really nailed that part right out of the gate,” Danson said. “She was amazing. And we got teamed up together when we auditioned — we auditioned as couples.”

“You and Shelley had the most incredible sitcom chemistry. Really magic,” observed Arnett.  “I mean, Ted, you guys must have felt that. That must be one of those things that was instant.”

“I am always always the worst,” Danson answered. “My first reaction to Shelley while we were auditioning was, ‘Oh, no. No. That's a bad, bad idea.’”

“I don't know, we were so different,” The Good Place actor added after the three hosts expressed shock at Danson's answer. “Our styles, our approach, our everything is really different, which is why I think it worked because it was like this fair fight.”

“It was hard for us sometimes to be in the room together,” Danson continued. “But when we started working, it was just fantastic because you'd smack her and she'd smack you back harder. She was just brilliant.”

Ultimately, in spite of the show's critical success, Long ended up leaving the series during the season 5 finale of the show, returning only in a guest star capacity during the series finale, "One for the Road."

The Revivalists have never shied away from vulnerability in their music, but their sixth studio album might be their most honest yet.

Frontman David Shaw, 43, tells People the band's new record, Get It Honest, is "the most cohesive piece of art" the New Orleans-based group has made since forming in 2007. The title track came to him almost fully formed, in the middle of the night. "It woke me up. 3 a.m. I'm sitting there, leaned over by the bedstand, writing these lyrics into my phone," Shaw said. "I was just like, 'Okay, this feels very important. I need to get this down now.'"

The song opens with a brutally honest line, "I'm so bored, so bored with being sober", setting the tone for an album largely built around growth and accountability. Shaw and his bandmates sifted through an estimated 80 songs before narrowing the record down to 12 tracks.

Much of the material was written during a major life shift for Shaw: the birth of his daughter Tedi, now 2. He described the period surrounding her birth, and the exhausted "twilight period" that followed, as unexpectedly creatively fruitful. "It just felt like it was flowing in a way that felt... there was an ease to it, and it's not always that way," he said.

Fatherhood has reshaped the band more broadly, too. Seven of the eight members are now dads to a combined 11 kids, something Shaw credits with deepening the group's chemistry. "I just feel like we have a higher level of compassion for one another," he said. "It's helped us be better humans all around."

Looking ahead, the Revivalists will set sail on a themed musical cruise from Miami to Nassau in November, followed by headline tour dates and select shows supporting the Red Clay Strays.

Geena Davis starred in Thelma & Louise alongside Susan Sarandon in 1991. The film, which won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, was about two best friends who end up running from the law. Davis recently spoke about how this iconic film changed her perspective on female representation in media when appearing on “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.”

When speaking about her daughter, whom she gave birth to in her 40s, she said, “The very first thing I showed her, I had her on my lap, and I’m thinking, ‘Oh, this is great. It’s a preschool show.’ I immediately, I noticed that there seemed to be far more male characters. I even looked it up, and they had one female character in this large cast, and I was like, ‘Well, that’s weird.’”

Related:Teen Idol, 84, Reflects on Becoming a Rock Star When He Was Only 15

Davis continued, “We’re 12 years past Thelma & Louise, I assume this has been straightened ... I’m like, ‘Wait, so we’re training kids from minute one to have unconscious gender bias.’”

She credits the film for causing her to pay more attention to the way women are depicted in the media. “I think it’s because of Thelma & Louise and it really heightened my awareness of how women are portrayed,” she said. “Because, you know, women had so few opportunities to come out of a movie feeling empowered by the female characters.”

Related:Tom Holland Is Filled With ‘Absolute Dread’ Over Playing This Hollywood Legend in New Biopic

Davis has been an activist for years. She launched the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media in 2004, which is a media institute for gender equality. Its mission is to drive “systemic change through research and advocacy to improve onscreen representation, eliminate bias, and advance authentic storytelling in media.”

In 2020, she told PEOPLE, “I was bothered by the idea that we were showing kids a very imbalanced world from the beginning ... I saw that there were so far fewer female characters than male characters. I didn’t intend to make it my life’s mission, but it has become that now 15 years later.”

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If you’ve been on social media anytime in the past year, you may be familiar with the viral cottagecore and fairycore aesthetics. Encompassing vintage-inspired clothing, floral bedding, and decor that feels organic and magical, these whimsical styles don't seem likely to leave the spotlight anytime soon. Ready to dive into this trend? This Moroommt Wood Mushroom Table Lamp at Amazon is a simple, affordable way to instantly add dreamy nature-inspired vibes to your living space.

Right now, you can score this mushroom table lamp on sale for just $19 when you clip the on-page coupon, down from it's original $29! The lamp is also available in a two-piece set, which normally retails for $40 and is now on sale for $36. 

Courtesy of Ama

This lamp is the epitome of cottagecore decor, featuring a charming mushroom silhouette with a rounded cap plastered in polka dots. Like something you would find on a forest floor, this lamp also lends itself to the fairycore aesthetic. 

Made of beech wood with a wood grain finish, this lamp seamlessly blends rustic charm and whimsy. The wood gives this lamp a natural feel, adding to the cottagecore aesthetic. Shoppers noted that the wood is high-quality and has a good weight to it, ensuring sturdiness and durability. 

The lamp casts a soft, warm glow to create a dreamy ambiance. It has four brightness levels that can easily be adjusted to meet all of your needs. With just the push of a button, the light can go from dim to bright. Reviewers mentioned that the highest setting is bright enough to read with, while the lower settings are soft and dim enough to fall asleep to. 

“This tiny lamp is giving fairycore meets functional!” one customer raved. Another shopper described the lamp as “charming and practical.” They also added that “the warm, ambient glow creates a relaxing atmosphere.” A third reviewer said that the lamp is “cozy and magical” and creates the “perfect bedtime glow.” 

Powered by a 900 milliampere-hour rechargeable battery, this lamp can provide six to eight hours of light. Because it doesn’t require a cord to light up, you can effortlessly move this lamp from room to room or even bring it along while traveling. With a major storm heading our way, it’s also ideal for power outages! 

Measuring 3.5 inches wide and 4 inches tall, this small but mighty lamp will fit perfectly in any space. You can put it on your nightstand, work desk, or any shelf to perk up your living space. It’ll make your home feel whimsical yet polished and refined at the same time. 

Related: Amazon’s ‘Breathable’ Athletic Skort Is a Tenniscore Staple That’s Perfect for Sports, Travel, and Errands

If you want to transform your home into a dreamy cottage getaway, the first step is adding this Moroommt Wood Mushroom Table Lamp to your living space. Don’t hesitate to head to Amazon and snag this lamp while it's on sale for just $19!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

The second of two primary ransom notes sent after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance contains an alarming claim about what allegedly happened to the missing 84-year-old. While there is no evidence that Guthrie has died—and authorities have never verified the authenticity of the ransom notes—the contents of the second message were read aloud by journalist Briana Whitney during an episode of the Crime Junkie podcast.

"We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical conditions. We never intended to hurt her," Whitney read on the podcast. "That was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We are truly sorry."

The message appears to reference Guthrie's known medical conditions. The FBI has previously said Guthrie had mobility issues, relied on heart medication, and had a pacemaker to help regulate her heartbeat.

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This was one of two ransom notes sent to Arizona news organizations in the days following Guthrie's disappearance. Whitney also read the first ransom note in full during the episode, giving listeners their first opportunity to hear both messages in their entirety.

The FBI has not authenticated either ransom note and continues to investigate where the messages came from. Meanwhile, Guthrie's whereabouts remain unknown after she was reported missing on the morning of Feb. 1. Investigators believe she was abducted from her Arizona home overnight, though they have not publicly identified a motive.

Anyone with information about the Guthrie case is asked to call Tucson’s 88-Crime hotline at 1-520-882-7463 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

READ NEXT: Sheriff Speaks Out After Another Home Invasion Near Nancy Guthrie's Home

If you love pairing tropical island breezes with a high-energy dose of spooky season fun, Margaritaville at Sea is giving travelers a major reason to set sail this autumn.

The cruise line has officially announced the return of its fan-favorite Halloween celebration, "Sail the Haunted Seas," running across select fall itineraries from September 15 through November 1, 2026. Taking over both the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise (sailing from Port of Palm Beach) and the Margaritaville at Sea Islander (sailing from Port Tampa Bay), the limited-time event transforms the ships into floating, tropical spooktaculars.

Whether you are planning an adults-only getaway with friends or a lively autumn escape with the family, the seasonal lineup blends Margaritaville’s signature laid-back hospitality with immersive, Halloween-themed entertainment from the second you step on board.

Related: Carnival Just Dropped a Fall Onboard Schedule That Has Cruisers Rushing to Book

To keep things fresh for returning cruisers and first-timers alike, Margaritaville at Sea is introducing several new interactive experiences for the 2026 season:

• The Ghostly Game Show: A spirited, interactive audience game show designed to test your Halloween know-how and pop culture trivia.
• Themed Bar Crawl: A haunted pub crawl taking guests through the ship's newly re-imagined bars and lounges.
• Specialty Guest Entertainers: Select sailings will feature live guest performers bringing unique Halloween-themed music, comedy, and stage acts to the onboard theaters.

Related: Margaritaville at Sea Debuts Three Big-Budget Production Shows on New Flagship

Alongside the new additions, the cruise line is bringing back the core lineup of spooky programming that made the event a hit with travelers:

For adults looking to party after dark, the signature White Hot Neon Nightmares glow party returns with eerie beats, creepy cocktails, and glowing face paint. Guests can also test their detective skills during the Spooktacular Murder Mystery Game Show or sip on limited-time seasonal brews and festive cocktails served throughout the ship's haunted venue takeovers.

Families and younger guests can join in on the fun with the Monster Bash Family Disco, show off their creative outfits during the fleetwide Costume Parade & Contest, or follow the onboard Trick-or-Treat Trail. The daily schedule is also packed with Halloween-themed craft workshops, spooky trivia sessions, and seasonal menu items featuring autumn-inspired treats.

With short 3- to 5-night Bahamas escapes departing from Palm Beach and 4- to 10-night Western Caribbean itineraries leaving from Tampa, "Sail the Haunted Seas" offers a quick, budget-friendly way to get into the Halloween spirit without sacrificing sunshine. Bookings and full sailing schedules are currently live on MargaritavilleAtSea.com.

Related: Margaritaville at Sea Is Throwing a Fleetwide Party in 2027 With a Major Country Headliner

Chris Affleck, the mother of actors Ben Affleck and Casey Affleck, has died at the age of 83, her family announced.

She passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 2 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December, with her obituary explaining that she was only given six months to live following her diagnosis. And with that, all she wanted to do was to see her grandson graduate from high school before her death, which she was able to do, having gone to watch him on May 31, 2026.

Chris graduated from Harvard University and spent 35 years as a public school teacher, ultimately retiring in 2008. She was also a civil rights advocate, having been one of the original Freedom Riders during the 1960s, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Chris helped her son break into Hollywood, connecting Ben with her former Harvard roommate, who was also a casting director. He began auditioning for commercials and television movies. Plus, when Ben won an Oscar in 1998 for Good Will Hunting, she was right there beside him.

“We were sitting next to our moms, and we won, and we kind of hugged our moms. I remember how everyone had made such a big thing out of it as if this was such a novelty,” Ben told Vanity Fair in a 2023 interview when remembering the moment. “I remember thinking, being insecure, like, ‘Why? Why is it weird that we’re bringing our moms?’ Who else do you think we would bring?”

Along with her two sons, Chris is survived by her five grandchildren.

Many fans paid tribute to her and shared well-wishes with Ben and Casey following the news.

"She lived an incredibly meaningful life. Beyond raising two major Oscar winners, she was an Ivy League graduate, a dedicated public school teacher for 35 years, and an original 1960s Freedom Rider. Rest in peace to an extraordinary woman," one person wrote.

"est in peace, Chris Anne Boldt. A remarkable mother, teacher, and activist whose influence lives on through Ben and Casey. Sending strength to the entire Affleck family," another person commented.

Marvin Gaye released the classic “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You” in 1964. The song, which is now commonly played at weddings as first dances or parent dances, was a hit that peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. James Taylor released a popular cover version of the song in 1975, which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Lamont Dozier, who co-wrote the song, described the inspiration behind it. He revealed that he was "sitting at the piano, fantasizing about how good it would be if the woman I had eyes for was madly in love with me. But the truth is, she never gave me a second look. So I created this fantasy world where I was the object of all her affections, a bit of fiction that eventually came true due to my persistence and showering her with affection."

In a Songfactsinterview, Dozier added that the song originated “with what they call a 12-bar blues - a shuffle. The drum feeling is the shuffle, and it's a 12-bar shuffle blues, basically. But, finding the chords, I remember Harvey Fuqua of the Moonglows, who had came to Motown, he mentioned that song. He said, ‘Man, those chords that you played were really interesting because it's the blues but not your run-of-the-mill blues. The chords you have are very intricate.’ I said, well, I just play what I feel. That's the way that particular song came out. Those chords gave me the feeling of that melody, ‘How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You.’"

Related: 1976 Classic Ballad Became a No. 1 Hit, Even Though Most Fans Misunderstood the Lyrics

Some of Gaye’s other famous songs include “Let’s Get It On,” “Sexual Healing,” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Gaye died in 1984 at the age of 44. He was murdered by his father after stopping a dispute between his parents the night before he turned 45.